Cannon Bone (Noun)
Meaning
Greatly developed metatarsal or metacarpal bone in the shank or cannon part of the leg in hoofed mammals.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- A veterinarian examined the cannon bone of the horse to assess the severity of the fracture.
- The strength of the cannon bone in the animal's leg was critical in determining its suitability for racing.
- The fossil record shows that ancient ungulates had longer cannon bones than modern species.
- An injury to the cannon bone can cause significant lameness and disability in a horse.
- In some breeds, the cannon bone is more curved than in others, which can affect the animal's overall movement.